The Zac Schulze Gang: Reviving Blues with a Modern Twist
The Zac Schulze Gang is rapidly gaining recognition as one of the UK’s most exciting new blues bands, drawing inspiration from legendary acts like AC/DC, Rory Gallagher, and Gary Moore. Their debut album, Straight To It, embodies the raw energy and ambition of a young group eager to make their mark on the music scene.
Young Talent with a Vintage Soul
at just 26 years old, frontman Zac Schulze is determined to infuse classic sounds with contemporary flair. His mission is clear: to bring the timeless essence of blues into the modern era, captivating audiences with his passionate performances.
Influences That Shaped a musician
Like many young guitarists, Schulze credits Joe Bonamassa for introducing him to the iconic musicians of the ’70s and ’80s. “After a year of playing, my dad gifted me a DVD of Joe’s performance at the Royal Albert Hall in 2009,” Schulze recalls. “That experience ignited my passion for blues music,making it relatable for my generation and inspiring me to explore the artists who influenced him.”
“I discovered Gary Moore and Rory Gallagher, whose energetic playing styles resonated with me. While many musicians emulate Stevie Ray Vaughan,I found Gallagher and Moore’s approach to be refreshingly unique,” he adds.
Capturing Live energy
To authentically capture their sound, the band recorded their debut album live, with the exception of the vocals. Schulze emphasizes the importance of staying true to their live performance energy. “We aimed for an upbeat vibe throughout the album. While a couple of tracks may be slower, we wanted to maintain that live feel. In previous studio sessions, I often overcomplicated things, layering countless parts. But what’s the point if you can’t replicate it on stage?”
Simple yet Effective Gear
The recording process was straightforward, utilizing a single guitar and amplifier setup with minimal effects. “My main guitar is a Stratocaster featuring a 1978 Fender neck paired with a japanese Squier Silver Series body,” Schulze explains. “I found it on eBay for just £120. My dad and I picked it up from a woman’s house, only to discover it belonged to her ex-husband. Somewhere out there,a guy is probably wondering where his Strat went!”
“Lee from Green Pickups in Manchester crafted custom pickups for me,and I paired the guitar with an Orange Rockerverb amp and an Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer for added gain,” he adds.
Mastering Tone Control
With a simple rig, Schulze relies on his guitar’s controls to shape his sound. “A lot of the magic happens by adjusting the volume,” he notes. “I use the drive channel but clean it up with my guitar, similar to how Clapton and Page approached their tones. I utilize a fair amount of gain, so managing my signal is crucial. John Mayer once said that you truly find your sound when you stop trying to imitate others, and that resonates deeply with me.”
Highlighting Musical Achievements
among the new tracks, Schulze cites Betterland as his proudest accomplishment. “I aimed to create a solo inspired by All Right Now by free, transitioning from a bass break into something melodic. I started with a Clapton-esque vibe in B minor and then blended major and minor elements, reminiscent of Chris Buck’s style. It’s a solo that evolves and takes the listener on a journey. The same goes for Angeline; both songs lean more towards pop-rock than conventional blues, allowing for more chordal exploration.”
Schulze on Iconic Guitar Tones
When asked about the greatest guitar tone ever recorded, Schulze points to Rory Gallagher’s Bad Penny. “That track perfectly captures the essence of a well-worn Strat through a Vox AC30. I had the incredible opportunity to play through that amp before it was auctioned off,” he shares.
“A great song paired with a powerful tone is unbeatable. It has a woody quality while still being assertive. The same can be said for Gary Moore’s Still Got The Blues; it’s simply flawless. It wouldn’t have had the same impact on a Telecaster through a Twin amp,” he concludes.
